Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Santiago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Santiago or Seattle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Santiago and Seattle. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Santiago or Seattle?
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
-
Santiago Prices
Chile PricesSeattle Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $150Seattle $242
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $150, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santiago and Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $109Seattle $120
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $218Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Seattle? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santiago Hotel Prices and Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.41Seattle $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
-
Metro Ride$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Santiago Airport (SCL) Private Transfer to Multiple Destinations: $18
- Santiago de Chile Airport Private Transfer: $25
- Official Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $27
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Airport Private Transfer to/from Santiago de Chile: $40
- Transfer Santiago de Chile airport: $40
- Farellones Full Day Roundtrip Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile : $43
- Santiago Int Airport (SCL) to Santiago - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $45
- Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers : $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
-
Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
-
Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- One-Way Seattle Airport Transfer Service: $27
- One - Way Transfer from Pier 66 to SeaTac international Airport : $27
- One-Way Transfer: Pier 91 to Airport : $28
- SEA Airport Private Transfer to Seattle City|Hotels: $37
- Private Transfer from Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport SEA: $38
- Seattle Airport Transfer – Private SUV or Sprinter Van Service: $45
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport private transfer. Pick up: $47
- Seattle to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Private Departure Transfer to Seattle Tacoma Airport SEA: $93
- Private One-way Transfer from Seattle Airport to Seattle: $95
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $112
- Arrival Private Transfer: Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle in Business Car: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle and Santiago change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one daySantiago $23Seattle $88
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
-
Empanada$1.88
-
Hamburger$2.50
-
Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
- 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
- Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
- Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
- Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $122
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Bali Hai Polynesian Dinner Show with Transfer: $130
- Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $181
- Santiago Chilean and Peruvian Cooking Class with a Local Carol: $184
Typical Food Prices in Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
-
Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
-
Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
-
6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
-
Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
-
Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
-
Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Bite-Sized Seattle History & Food Tour: $26
- Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
- Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $71
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $72
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $73
- Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- Seattle Pike Market Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours: $75
- Plant Based in Pike Place Food Tour (GF available): $79
- Chef Food Tour of Seattle Space Needle and Seattle Center: $85
- Festive Flavors of Pike Place Market Holiday Food Tour: $110
- Pike Place Market Gourmet Food Tour: $110
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $47Seattle $16
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $9.00
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
- A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- Santiago City Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $20
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $23
- Private Guided Walking Tour of the City Center: $24
- Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
Tours and Activities in Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Everett by Operation City Quest: $10
- Seattle Audio Tour on Capital Hill Adventure: $15
- Seattle Kraken Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $19
- National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket: $20
- Seattle City Walking Tour: Along the Waterfront: $22
- Smith Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $22
- Seattle Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
- Smith Tower Observatory Access Ticket: $25
- Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets : $25
- Sinister Sins, Scandal, and Shadows: Seattle Ghost Tour: $27
- The Museum of Flight Entry Ticket: $29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.40Seattle $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
- Undurraga Wine tour: $70
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $79
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
- Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
- Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $89
- Kross Brewery Tour: A Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $93
Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Seattle Bar Crawl Belltown Bar Blitz: $15
- Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $45
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience Near Pike Place Market: $75
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
- Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109
- Bainbridge Island Discovery and Wine Tour: $159
- All-inclusive Wine Tasting and Lunch Experience: $249
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $344
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and Seattle, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santiago is in South America and Seattle is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle than you might in Santiago.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santiago Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Seattle?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Seattle, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Santiago or Seattle?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Seattle has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or Seattle in the Summer?
Both Seattle and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Santiago is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santiago in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C)in July.
In January, Santiago usually receives less rain than Seattlein July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)Seattle 67°F (19°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Seattle in the Autumn?
Both Seattle and Santiago during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Santiago is generally a little warmer than Seattlein October. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 15°C (59°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
Santiago usually gets less rain in April than Seattlein October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)Seattle 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Seattle in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and Seattle. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.
Santiago is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C)in January.
Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Santiago usually receives less rain than Seattlein January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)Seattle 42°F (5°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Seattle in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Santiago as well as Seattle. Additionally, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Santiago is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santiago in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C)in April.
Santiago usually gets less rain in October than Seattlein April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)Seattle 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Seattle and Santiago
| Santiago | Seattle | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 42°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 6 inches (152 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.